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Driving Record

The New York DMV keeps a detailed personal driving history for all residents with a driver’s license. It is important to know all the information your New York driving abstract contains and make sure there is no inaccurate information. Stay up to date on what is reported on your driving record by continuing to read below.

How To Order A State-Approved New York Driving Record

To simplify the process of getting your driving record, DMV.com has partnered with BackgroundChecks.com. In just 3 easy steps, you are able to order your driving record online. Click here to get started. By easily ordering your driving record online, you will receive the most up-to-date information in a shorter time frame. Your driving abstract will include your driver’s license status, violation convictions (including DUIs), endorsements, restrictions and administrative actions that are associated with your drivers license and reportable in your state according to their policies. Accidents and points will only show if applicable based on your state. Your driving record can only be ordered from a state where you have been issued a license.*

2. Via a DMV office:

You can also get your driving record from your local, official DMV office. This option tends to be the most cost-effective choice; however, it is important to note that not all DMV locations have the ability to process driving records. It is recommended to first check with your local DMV to verify if they can fulfill this service. Click here to find a DMV office near you. If your DMV office offers the option to make an appointment and make sure to have all your personal documents and pay the fees to order a driving record.

3. By mail:

If you are not in a rush to get your driving abstract, you can request it by mail through the DMV. First, find out if your local DMV processes driving records, if they do, make sure to gather all the required documentation and send it to their mailing address. To avoid delays double check that you have included all the correct information. Almost all DMV offices accept payment in the form of a money order but for alternative payment methods check with your local office.

What is on my New York driving abstract?

Depending on the type of driving record and where you purchase it, your New York driving record may provide either a partial or complete outline of your personal NY driving history. If you order your driving record directly from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, it will contain:

Where and when a drivers license was issued.

Previous traffic violations.

New York DUI reports.

New York driver’s license suspensions or revocations.

Car accidents.

Other major violations on record.

If you order your driving record through DMV.com, you will receive valuable information such as: violation convictions, accidents (if reported by the state), suspensions or limitations, special license classifications and DUI offenses on record. DMV.com recommends ordering a copy at least every three years. Find out what is on your driving history report by filling out the form above to order a copy of your records.

Did you know? Your personal driving history is a public record. Potential employers, insurance providers, and courts of law can all request a copy of your driving history.

What Do Points On My New York Driving Record Mean?

A driving record from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles includes the number of points assigned for each traffic violation. If there is a mistake regarding the number of points stated on your NY personal driving history, correct it to avoid a drivers license suspension or revocation.

Infractions and point values that can be found on a driving abstract from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles include:

Speed violations: 3-11 points

Failing to stop for a school bus: 5 points

Inadequate brakes: 4 points

Improper cell phone use: 5 points

Following too closely: 4 points

Passing improperly, changing lanes unsafely, driving to the left of center, driving in the wrong direction: 3 points

Failing to obey a traffic signal, a stop sign, or a yield sign: 3 points

Railroad crossing violation: 3 points

Failing to yield the right-of-way: 3 points

Incorrect driving points on your driving history report can be fixed by contacting your local DMV. Taking a traffic school course can remove points off your record.

How do points against my New York driver's license affect me?

Depending on the traffic offense, you can be charged between three to 11 points for one violation. If you get more than 11 points in 18 months in the state of New York, your driver's license may be suspended.

If you receive six or more points on your New York DMV driving record in 18 months, you must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee. If you receive six points on your NY driving history record for violations committed during an 18-month period, the annual assessment is $100. The minimum amount that you must pay each year is the annual assessment. The total assessment for the three years is $300. If you receive more than six points on your DMV driver record during an 18-month period, the annual assessment is $25 for each point in addition to the original six points.

How do I remove driver’s license points from my New York driver’s record?

Drivers in New York can reduce points on their DMV drivers record abstract by completing a state-approved point reduction program.

Remove points from your New York driving record by taking one of these actions:

Enroll in a driver’s improvement course to reduce the total number of traffic points by four.

If the total number of points is below six, you can clear your drivers license points by paying a driver's assessment fee.

Wait 18 months for the points to be removed from your record. If the conviction is serious, then the conviction and number of points will still be recorded on your NY driving history and can affect your auto insurance costs.

How long do points stay on my New York driving record?

New York driver’s license points remain on your DMV driving abstract up to 18 months after the points were initially assessed. Serious convictions and number of points may still be recorded on your history and may also raise your auto insurance costs.

Different violations and infractions in New York carry different penalties.

Checking For Traffic Violations and Penalties

New York DUI Records

DWI offenses remain on your complete New York Department of Motor Vehicles driving record for 10 years. Traffic offenders convicted of DUIs will be required to pay high fines and may face criminal penalties.

Previous Traffic Violations

Traffic offenses on your New York driving history can remain for as long as 10 years. Less severe traffic violations with only a few points can stay on the drivers abstract for four years. DWI violations stay on your NY driving record permanently.

Driver's improvement courses can reduce the sum of suspension points on your personal driving record by a maximum of four points. A bonus to the points removal is a 10 percent reduction on your car insurance premiums.

Check for Points in New York

The most common reason for requesting a copy of driving records in New York is to check for points on a driver’s license. The New York Department of Motor Vehicle’s complete driving record includes this information. If you received a traffic infraction on your license, check how many points you have and if you are on the verge of getting a driver’s license suspension.

Applying for a Commercial Driver Position in New York

Employment opportunities can affect your NY personal driving history. Employers’ main responsibility is the safety of the public, which is why they check potential employees’ driving records before continuing with the hiring process. All commercial drivers should order driving records prior to an interview. After receiving your driving background check, you can address any issues or offer an explanation during an interview with a potential employer.

Lower New York Car Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies determine their premiums based on your age, location and the information listed on your driving history report. The more accidents and violations you have on your New York driving record, the more you will most likely have to pay for car insurance coverage. If your personal driving history is clean, be prepared to negotiate with all the information in your hands. Order a copy of your driving record in New York today to get the information you need.

Take New York Traffic School to Prevent Points

Attending traffic school in New York has a few benefits. The first is that your auto insurance cannot be cancelled and your premiums cannot be raised. Secondly, attending driver's improvement courses can reduce the sum of suspension points on your personal driving record by a maximum of four points. A bonus to points removal is a 10 percent reduction on your car insurance premiums.

Why do employers check your New York driving record?

It is common for employers to perform background checks on prospective employees. Major violations like DUI arrest records or hit-and-runs will show up on a criminal background check, and can also be found on your DMV driving history. Certain jobs may require you to drive a company vehicle, or you might be in control of passenger safety, which is why they perform background checks on potential employees.

Any job opportunity that requires you to drive a vehicle will look into your New York drivers license status and history. Suspensions or revocations will also show up on your driving record, and may affect your employment status. By obtaining a copy of your driving history report, you can rectify any mistakes and be upfront with a potential employer about what they might find.

How Do I Get My New York Driving Record?

DMV.com recommends ordering driving records from a secure and reliable source. You have the option of ordering your driving record directly from a local government branch of the New York DMV. The most cost-effective way to obtain your driving record. However as an alternative option DMV.com has partnered with BackgroundChecks.com to deliver you the most up-to-date information quickly and conveniently. We partnered with BackgroundChecks.com because their commitment to keeping your information confidential and safe is a top priority.

Different Types of Driving Records

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles offers three different types of driving records. Depending on how far back you need to see your driving history, you have these different options to choose from:

Driving Record Abstract

Lifetime Driving Record

Title Record Abstract

Driving Record Abstract

A New York driving record abstract will show suspensions and revocations for four years from the date the suspension or revocation ended. The driving record abstract also includes suspensions for a chemical test refusal five years from the date of suspension. Accidents and traffic convictions are displayed until the end of the year in which the accident or conviction occurred, plus three more years. Convictions for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs are only displayed for 10 years from the date of you were convicted. Serious violations, such as vehicular homicide, may be displayed permanently on a driving record abstract.

Lifetime Driving Record

A New York lifetime driving abstract contains all the driver’s license information the NY Department of Motor Vehicles has collected on a driver. The lifetime driving record displays all the information still in the NY Department of Motor Vehicle’s possession regardless of the data retention requirements found in Vehicle and Traffic Law. However, it may not include information that dates back to when a driver was initially granted driving privileges but it does include suspensions and revocations older than four years from the dates they ended.

Title Record Abstract

Title abstracts from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles shows detailed information about a vehicle, such as the name and mailing address of its vehicle owner, and current lien information.

How do I fix a mistake on a New York drivers history report?

Fix the mistakes on your personal drivers record before they can affect the status of your driver's license or employment. Take action by contacting the NY Department of Motor Vehicles to let them know about your observation. Keeping receipts of paid fines and traffic tickets can ease up on your responsibility if you present them in support to your statement.

What is not included on my New York driving record report?

A New York drivers history report does not include certain information that you might find useful. DMV.com has set up resources to allow you to obtain the following information for your records:

New York Vehicle Registration History

The New York driving history report includes information about your vehicle. An active driver's status is principal proof, and a clean vehicle registration history is a backup verification of your driving behavior. When you are pulled up for a regular traffic check, police officers look into the histories of these basic two documents. Well-maintained motor vehicles qualify for better auto coverage options. A clear registration history will speed up each new registration procedure by saving time for additional driver's record checks.

*These records are for employment purposes and personal information only, are not certified so cannot be used in court or to obtain your license in another state. The content and length of the report is determined by the state and not DMV.com, the record you receive will be the public record for employment purposes as determined by your state on the date of the order.